Our Family Story

Sam Wo was built shortly after the 1906 earthquake at the original location (813 Washington Street) by three immigrant siblings from the village of Taishan, China, was famous for inexpensive barbecue pork rice noodle rolls and porridge called jook until 3:00AM. Old timers remember when Chinatown generations ago was the destination after a night out for siu yeh, Cantonese for late night meals popular in Hong Kong and South China. For many people, eating at Sam Wo grew into a family tradition. For others, the restaurant came to symbolize an important time in their lives.